Frustrated Faf wants quick ball

The breakdowns were an area where the Pumas caused the Boks all sorts of problems at the Mbombela Stadium in Nelspruit and De Klerk is calling for an improved performance in that facet against the same opponents in Salta this weekend.   

"It was very frustrating. I think the main thing for us was to get quick ball against these guys and almost at every ruck we literally did not get it," De Klerk told reporters after the game.

"It was definitely difficult and frustrating for me. But I think we handled it quite well, especially in the last 20 minutes of the game.

"I also think it is a good focus point for us for next week, to make sure we get nice quick ball and clean ball."

De Klerk also believes the Argentinians were lucky not to get penalised on a number of occasions for slowing the ball down.

"Every single guy goes for a steal there and I thought maybe the ref could have pinned them there a few times because they slowed the ball down a lot. 

"Maybe next week we will just be a little bit more clinical at ruck time," he added.

The 24-year-old scrumhalf again produced a spirited display, which bagged him the man-of-the-match award after the game in front of his hometown fans in Nelspruit.

"I don't know who they paid to get that right. I really wanted to play well in front of them. A lot of my friends and family came out to come watch this game. 

"It was great for me to come play here [Nelspruit]. A played a few games here for the Pumas [CurrieCup] as well. I was very happy and honoured to get that award and just very blessed to get the opportunity," said De Klerk.

By Warren Fortune

@FortuneWarren

@rugby365com